The UEFA Champions League Showdown: Celtic vs. Bayern Munich
TNT Sports expert Owen Hargreaves, a seasoned former player for both Bayern Munich and Manchester United, is not entirely dismissing the possibility of an upset when Celtic takes on his former club in the knockout phase play-offs this Wednesday. Despite acknowledging the considerable disparity in budgets and player talent, Hargreaves remains optimistic about Celtic’s chances. The Scottish Premiership leaders, who managed to secure a spot in the play-offs with a mixed record of three wins, three draws, and two losses, including a devastating 7-1 defeat by Borussia Dortmund, will be facing a formidable opponent. Bayern, on the other hand, finished 12th in the group stage with five wins and three defeats, notably losing to Aston Villa, Barcelona, and Feyenoord. Hargreaves points out that Celtic’s recent 5-0 Scottish Cup victory over Raith Rovers could serve as a morale booster, but he emphasizes the need for the team to adapt their style of play to counter Bayern’s aggressive tactics.
The Manager’s Role: Brendan Rodgers vs. Vincent Kompany
The experience and tactical expertise of Celtic’s manager, Brendan Rodgers, are highlighted by Hargreaves as a significant factor in the team’s potential to cause an upset. Rodgers has a proven track record in European football and is known for his ability to adjust his game plan to suit different opponents. However, Hargreaves notes that the challenge for Celtic will be to shift from their dominant league play to a more compact and defensive strategy in Europe. "They’ll probably have to play different football to what they do in the league," he said, "and that’s always the tricky thing for teams that dominate their league." He also mentioned that Bayern’s style of play, characterized by fluid ball rotation and aggressive pressing, can sometimes create openings at the back. Celtic will need to be clinical in transition and take advantage of these spaces to have any chance of advancing.
Key Players: Tactical Focal Points
When discussing potential game plans, Hargreaves identified key players who could influence the outcome of the match. He singled out Harry Kane and Jamal Musiala as the primary focal points for Bayern’s attack, but stressed that stopping them alone would not be enough. "You can take away Harry and Jamal, but look at the rest of them and a lot of the game will run through Joshua Kimmich," he explained. Kimmich, the midfielder who often dictates Bayern’s play with his deep-lying passes, will be a crucial target for Celtic’s defensive strategy. Hargreaves suggests that Celtic must focus on disrupting Kimmich’s ability to control the ball and distribute it effectively. While Bayern’s attacking prowess is formidable, their aggressive pressing can sometimes leave them vulnerable in certain situations, and Celtic should aim to exploit these moments.
Bayern’s Recent Form and Tactical Adjustments
Under the management of Vincent Kompany, Bayern has shown both strengths and weaknesses in their recent performances. Kompany’s aggressive style has led to impressive victories, but it has also resulted in significant losses, such as the 4-1 defeat to Aston Villa and the 5-0 thrashing by Feyenoord. Hargreaves believes that Kompany is still finding the right balance in his tactics. "At times there can be eight guys forward and just Kim [Min-jae] and [Dayot] Upamecano at the back because they’re trying to create turnovers high up the pitch," he observed. This approach can leave Bayern exposed, and Hargreaves predicts that Kompany might adjust his lineup to include more defensive players, reducing the number of bodies committed to the attack. Such a tactical shift could challenge Celtic’s ability to counter-attack and create scoring opportunities.
The Importance of Alphonso Davies
Bayern Munich’s recent announcement that Canada international Alphonso Davies has committed his future to the club by signing a new contract until 2030 is a significant boost for the German giants. Davies, who at 24 is considered one of the best in his position, has seen his form fluctuate during his time in Germany. However, his recent resurgence under Kompany has garnered renewed interest from top clubs like Real Madrid. Hargreaves noted the importance of Davies’ commitment, stating, "Rarely do players of that level transfer for free, and to have a kid that is arguably one of the best in the world at his position, and would be wanted by virtually every club in the world, commit… it’s a huge coup for them." The decision not only secures one of their key assets but also avoids the potential £80 million cost to replace him. For Celtic, Davies’ presence adds another layer of difficulty, given his speed and crossing ability on the wing.
Streaming and Coverage: TNT Sports and Discovery+
Fans eager to follow the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, and UEFA Conference League will be pleased to know that TNT Sports will be broadcasting over 500 matches across the 2024-25 season. In the UK, discovery+ will serve as the streaming home for TNT Sports, offering a comprehensive subscription that includes access to Eurosport and a variety of entertainment content. This platform provides an all-in-one destination for sports enthusiasts, ensuring they don’t miss a moment of the action. Whether it’s the high-stakes clash between Celtic and Bayern Munich or the broader narrative of European football, discovery+ aims to deliver a seamless and engaging viewing experience. For Celtic supporters, it means they can follow their team’s European adventure with ease, while Bayern fans can keep track of their club’s quest for further glory.
